Professor Soltani and Dr Ahmad Tanweer (a former research and innovation officer from Sheffield Hallam University) conceived the idea and have been working on developing a Centre of excellence for tackling health inequalities for mothers and babies for a couple of years. However, the establishment of the MIHERC was kicked off through the support from the NIHR Maternity Disparities Challenge Consortium in 2024, a national initiative to reduce inequalities in maternity care.

Led by Sheffield Hallam University in partnership with City of Doncaster Council and Bournemouth University, our centre brings together interdisciplinary experts with a shared commitment to equitable, community-led innovation.

The project incorporates emerging technologies such as intelligent digital solutions and builds on strong foundations in inclusive research and local engagement.

NIHR Feedback

“The NIHR praised the establishment of MIHERC for its multi-ethnic and interdisciplinary partnerships with communities and the third sector. They also commended the centre’s clear plans for capacity building and community engagement, particularly in digitalisation and data connectivity.”

— National Institute for Health and Care Research

“We are delighted by the level of engagement shown by researchers in this important priority. I am confident we have an exceptional consortium to tackle the challenge of maternity inequalities. Working in partnership with existing NIHR-funded infrastructure and programmes, we look forward to finalising plans for ground-breaking research projects in the coming months.”

Professor Marian Knight, NIHR Programme Director